Kuwait expressed strong condemnation of the loathsome acts of terrorism that hit Paris on Friday night. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday night sent a cable of condolence to French President Francois Hollande following the multiple shooting and bomb attacks in Paris.

His Highness the Amir strongly condemned "these criminal acts of terrorism which run counter to all teachings of holy faith and humanitarian values," and expressed sincere condolences for the large number of victims. He reaffirmed Kuwait's solidarity with the French people and government, saying Kuwait supports all measures France might take to protect its security against the terrorist acts. He also renewed Kuwait's commitment to the international campaign against all forms of terrorism.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah have also sent similar cables to President Hollande. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Marzouq Al-Ghanim strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in a cable of condolence he sent to the President of the French National Assembly Claude Bartolone.

A statement from the Foreign Ministry stated that: The State of Kuwait followed, with profound concern and grief, the news of the despicable acts of terrorism which have hit Paris. Such heinous acts can only strengthen the resolve of the friends in France to pursue their role in the fight against terrorism.

The statement also reaffirmed that Kuwait maintains its principled stance against all forms of terrorism whatever the sources or justifications might be and expressed condolences to the grieving families and wished the wounded speedy recovery.

France is a state of deep shock; three days of national mourning and a country-wide emergency has been declared following the gun and bomb attack that terrorized the French capital on Friday night. The death toll from the terrorist attacks climbed to above 128 by Saturday and there were fears that more would succumb to their injuries, according to media sources citing authorities. The French media reported that eight terrorists died in the multiple attacks, most of them blowing themselves when confronted by the police.

The usually festive Friday evening was shattered by six shootings and bomb attack in relatively central areas of the capital. By far the worst attack last night took place at the Bataclan concert hall, where four terrorists burst in on a concert and shot randomly into the crowd killing at least 80 people and taking hostages. Elite police units quickly intervened to try to release the hostages and the terrorists, wearing suicide vests, shot as many people as they could before three of them blew themselves up and one was killed by the police.

Meanwhile, there were multiple fatalities at other venues in the 10th and 11th districts of Paris, located on the ‘Right Bank’ of the Capital and near Republic Square. Three busy restaurants and a bar were targeted by gunmen armed with Kalashnikovs. Around 40 people were killed as customers were singled out at venues including a pizza restaurant and a Cambodian restaurant.

At the French National Stadium, three devices exploded killing and wounding several people, during a soccer match between Germany and France. President Francois Hollande, who was attending the event, was rushed away by security personnel when the devices exploded. At least three gunmen are known to have been killed at the scene.

In a related development Kuwait Ambassador to France Sami Al-Suleiman urged all Kuwaiti nationals and students to remain vigilant for their safety and follow the instructions of the local authorities. The Embassy is in touch with the competent authorities and keeps close watch on the developments of the situation, he said. Al-Suleiman advised the Kuwaiti nationals to remain indoors or contact the following phone numbers when necessary; 0033670673834 and 0033147235425.